Students, faculty and Charlottesville community members gathered by the University Chapel Tuesday afternoon, forming an encampment to protest Israel’s actions in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The encampment — referred to as “Liberated Zone 4 Gaza” — comprised more than 100 people as of Wednesday afternoon, although the number of protestors fluctuated greatly as the day progressed. Several faculty were in attendance, with some holding a large sign reading “[Faculty for Justice in Palestine] at U.Va. stands with students.” Faculty also served as liaisons with University Police and Student Affairs, who have said they will let the protests continue as long as they comply with University policy.
The encampment overlapped with a separate May Day protest on the Lawn, which was hosted by student activist group U.Va. Dissenters and the U.Va. Apartheid Divest Coalition, a movement advocating for the University to conduct an external audit of its endowment investments, among other demands. Speakers made it clear that the encampment near the University Chapel and the May Day protests were separate events, although attendees moved freely between the two.
The May Day protest was also peaceful, with some police and event staff present. At its peak, the event had over 200 attendees, with the encampment holding another 50 at that time. Some passersby made gestures or comments at protestors, but no confrontation occurred.
Timothy Longo, chief of the University Police Department and vice president for security and safety, said that the encampment can continue so long as it does not escalate and become disruptive. Longo also said the actions of the protestors constitute protected conduct under the first amendment. At the time of publication, attendees have only been engaging in speeches, chants and conversations. Protesters have largely abided by the University’s policy prohibiting the use of electronically amplified sound, which includes electric megaphones.
Additional restrictions on noise and disruption come into effect at night, with Longo saying that noise that disrupts students studying in the two nearby libraries would be a problem. Other restrictions include policies barring camping — which means no tent can be erected at the encampment — and bans on signage on trees. A contingent of roughly 50 protesters have remained at the encampment after dark, as of the time of publication.
This is a developing story. Updates will be made to this article as additional information becomes available.
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